The 10 Best Cafes in Kilkenny for Brilliant Brewing That’ll Perk You Up!
As someone who is constantly on the go, I’m always in need of a good coffee. Caffeine is the one that keeps me going, especially on late nights or long hours when I’m on a deadline.
Thank the gods that Kilkenny is full of coffee shops, where there’s no shortage of artisanal drinks and food that are so dangerously good, you’ll lick your plate clean. I’ve been to my fair share, and I’ve narrowed down my list to the very best in the city.
Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or searching for a new hangout spot, here are my go-to cafes in Kilkenny that my buddies approved of, with drinks and pastries so fantastically crafted, you won’t bother with the calories!
Cafe La Coco
– Media credit: cafe_la_coco
Address: 4 Lower Patrick St, Gardens
Contact: 056 775 2726
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 am – 3 pm
- Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm
Pricing: €
It’s no secret that Cafe La Coco is a beloved spot in Kilkenny. It’s a cosy nook tucked in the shadow of slightly larger establishments, with a charming pink exterior and an interior that looks like it’s made from your cafe cottage dreams.
It serves some of the very best coffees in the city, with a fragrant aroma that doesn’t have the weird burnt aftertaste you’ve probably tasted from other spots. It makes a splendid cup of White Mocha, and the Iced Matcha is one of the best in Kilkenny.
It has become one of my go-to on a casual morning when the sun decides to pop out. When I fancy reading a book while having a lovely meal, the menu always hits the spot, particularly the Blueberry and Banana Pancakes that are served with fresh fruits.
Pro Tip:
The cafe is small, so skip peak brunch hours when most people flock in.
Cakeface
– Media credit: cakefacepastry
Address: 16 Irishtown, Gardens
Contact: 056 773 9971, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Pricing: €€
If fancy desserts are what you’re searching for, make sure you swing by Cakeface. The options don’t disappoint, given that it was brought to life by pastry chefs, where every bit of cake looks so stunning—and it sometimes hurts to see them being stabbed by a fork.
The desserts aren’t just a sight to behold, but taste like heaven on a plate with a delicate sweetness. If you’re having trouble picking one out, I suggest you go for the safest flavour first, and there are loads of fruity, tangy, and chocolatey profiles.
One thing you cannot miss out on is the scone. The Scone of the Day is always perfectly cooked, with a nice a buttery flavour and soft texture. Pair it with your favourite cup of coffee or a hot chocolate for a cosy combo.
Pro Tip:
On a sunny day, pick a table on the terrace. When the sun hits just right, you can take gorgeous photos.
Bridie’s Bar & General Store
– Media credit: bridies_bar
Address: 72 John Street Lower, Gardens
Contact: 056 776 5133
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 12:30 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Pricing: €€
Bridie’s Bar & General Store is utterly stunning. The powder blue exterior will stop you in your tracks, and the cafe-slash-general-store-slash-bar will have you sticking around longer than planned.
It’s got everything covered under one roof. If you want to knock one back while getting that caffeine fix you’re craving, the Boozy Coffees will sort you out. On cold days, I always go for Bridie’s Special, a salted caramel hot chocolate with a shot of Bailey’s.
A creamy pint of Guinness with a domed top is always good to have, and the experience is elevated because of the lovely decor. Grab a couple of the famous handmade macarons for a sweet treat!
Pro Tip:
Bring your pup because this is one of the cafes in Kilkenny that allows dogs inside and outside!
Low Lane
– Media credit: lowlanecoffee
Address: 45 St Kieran’s St, Gardens
Contact: 056 781 6160, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 4 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
Pricing: €€
A new-ish cafe in Kilkenny, Low Lane has become one of my most loved spots for brunch and coffee. It makes a cracking cup, particularly its Vanilla Latte, which sounds generic enough, but it has a nice balance of robust and creamy profiles.
It’s small but cooks scrumptious all-day breakfast meals. The Vegan Toastie is top-notch, which the chef has somehow made more delicious than the one I’m used to having—it’s probably the edamame hummus and teriyaki sauce that do it.
It’s cosy, but it’s not the kind of cafe you stay in for hours. It’s best for quick bites or catch-ups.
Pro Tip:
If you’re eating a whole meal, around 45 minutes to an hour, it’s best to snag a table inside. The seats in the outdoor area can feel a wee bit dodgy to sit on for a long time.
The Yard Cafe
– Media credit: theyardcafe_kk
Address: 27 St Kieran’s St, Gardens
Contact: 085 177 7376
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 6 pm
Pricing: €€
When in Kieran Street, stopping by The Yard Cafe is a must. Located on the famous Medieval Mile of Kilkenny, it’s a must-visit for every local and tourist itching to see all sorts of local shops.
The menu caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. All of the sandwiches can be switched to gluten-free bagels, which I always tend to go for, despite not having gluten sensitivity (bagel sandwiches are simply too yum).
I could sit here and eat all day, especially the cakes. Grab a slice of the Apple and Plum Crumble for a sweet and tarty dessert, then pair it with a Hot Chai Latte for a nice balance to the flavours.
Pro Tip:
The Cheesecake of the Day is always worth trying out. There are mouthwatering flavours if you have a sweet tooth.
The Pink Box
– Media credit: thepinkbox_artisanbakery
Address: 17 Parliament St, Gardens
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 8 am – 4 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm & 7 pm – 1 am
- Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
Pricing: €€
Pastry cravings are all sorted at The Pink Box, a charming little cafe in Kilkenny that serves a selection of croissants. It’s the place I go to for my buttery and flaky cravings, and there’s no shortage of fantastic flavours in this shop.
Do not miss out on the Pistachio Croissant, which has a nice, creamy filling that works incredibly well with the flaky and soft pastry (believe me, it’ll knock your socks off). It goes well with a latte to cut through the sweetness.
If that isn’t to our liking, the Dirty Chai Latte perfectly pairs with any croissant with filling. It’s creamier and a smidge sweeter than a regular latte, yet the robust flavour balances it all out.
Pro Tip:
Best to order for takeaway since the cafe is small and not the type for staying long.
Chocolate Garden Cafe
– Media credit: chocolategardencafe
Address: 98 High St, Gardens
Contact: 059 648 1999, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Pricing: €€€
If you’re loco for cocoa, Chocolate Garden Cafe should be on your list of Kilkenny spots to visit. It’ll satisfy your sweet cravings in an instant, as the display counter is filled with all sorts of luxury chocolate goods that are so indulgent to the taste.
This is a cafe where, instead of coffee, I order a hot chocolate (it’s a chocolate garden, after all). I suggest you go for the 54% dark chocolate option because the 70% might be a wee bit too bitter for some (unless you fancy the bittersweet taste).
One of my favourite parts about this cafe is the chocolate-making experiences. The Make Your Own Chocolate Box activity never fails to impress my taste buds, and is an excellent gift idea for a loved one—although I always keep mine!
Pro Tip:
Grab one or two bars of the award-winning chocolates in the shop. It’s just beside the counter.
The Book & Coffee Shop
– Media credit: thebookandcoffeeshop
Address: 3 William St, Gardens
Contact: 087 410 5278, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Pricing: €
The Book & Coffee Shop is every bookworm’s dream come true. Imagine sipping a warm cup of coffee while reading your favourite novel, surrounded by shelves filled to the brim with secondhand books—a delightful way to enjoy the day, or any day, really.
It doesn’t have fancy coffee flavours, but sticks to the usual. The menu is made with locally roasted coffee beans, and it won’t cost you too many bobs. On a cold day, a good book is best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea and a slice of lemon cake.
This cafe is an introvert’s pinch-me moment in Kilkenny. It’s small, not crowded, has a cosy environment, relaxing music, and is quiet.
Pro Tip:
Follow its Facebook page for updates on author appearances. Everyone’s welcome to join in and admission is free, unless stated otherwise.
Wild Tails Cafe
– Media credit: wildtails.co
Address: 1 – 2 Canal Square, Dukesmeadows
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm
Pricing: €€
The friendliest out of the dog-friendly coffee shops in Kilkenny, Wild Tails Cafe is a bark-tastic spot where our furry friends are always welcome. After a long walk by the river, I stop here with my pup for lovely coffees and paw-tential fur-ever friends.
It has water bowls and treats for tail-wagging guests. And for us humans, the drink options are positively delicious—the best of both worlds, really. Try the Flat White for a well-rounded drink that’s creamy yet strong.
Pair it with a croissant (the almond together with a flat white is pure class) or grab a sweet treat from SOS Cookie. If you catch a fresh delivery, try the Oreo Brookie or the Biscoff Cookie (or sample both, no one’s keeping score of calories here).
Pro Tip:
Show up early before all seats in the outdoor space are occupied.
Wild Flower Cafe
– Media credit: wildflowerkilkenny
Address: Butler Gallery – Evans Home, John’s Quay, Gardens
Contact: 056 776 1106, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 4:30 pm
Pricing: €€
I’m a sucker for coffee dates with all the bells and whistles. It’s one of the reasons I never say no to a stop at Wildflower Cafe, located at Evans’ Home, which was built in 1818.
If you fancy coffee dates out on a courtyard in the heart of Kilkenny, then this is your spot. It’s a relaxing cafe, where the wind will gently blow your hair, vegan brunch won’t be tough to find, and the drinks are so incredible, you’ll want to sip them all day.
I recommend ordering a plate of Turkish Eggs with Sourdough for a creamy and savoury meal that works well with the Flat White. It’s brilliant and delicious when you scoop the runny eggs with the bread.
Pro Tip:
Since you’re already at the Butler Gallery, explore the place and admire works of art by Irish artists. There are tours, masterclass events, and programmes to join in.